The February

Broadsheet 2018

Revd. Steve Wilkinson Rural Dean of Bellingham

Parson of Humshaugh Simonburn & Wark Tel: 01434 681304

email: revd.stevewilkinson@googlemail.com www.humshaughbenefice.org.uk

for the parishes of Humshaugh

with Simonburn & Wark, and Chollerton with Birtley

Gunnerton & Thockrington

LENT

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Humshaugh Vicarage

Friends, Firstly, let me wish you all a very happy New Year and all the very best for 2018. But doesn’t it all seem such a long time ago, Christmas is really only just over but there’s little sign left it was ever here. The trees and wreaths are all gone, our bins are finally empty of wrapping paper, thank you letters have been sent and received and finally, finally every last mince pie has been eaten. But what next, book a holiday, a birthday perhaps or is it just back to work and waiting for the summer to come ? For Christians though this time of year feels a little different, we’re actually looking forward, stretching out even, towards Easter and preparation proper starts in a couple of weeks. Lent first with its time of abstinence, prayer and reflection, then Holy Week when we rehearse the final week of Christ’s life and finally Easter Day when we celebrate Jesus’ resurrection from the dead. So, looking forward to Easter we work our way through Lent, a time when popular culture encourages us to give up something we enjoy, with chocolate or alcohol as common choices. However, the history of the church is that Lent is a time when we typically take on more, rather than giving things up ! There is encouragement to pray more, to be more generous in giving, to offer more help to neighbours. All things we do throughout the year, just more of it, which is all fine and good and just as it should be. But what about those people in our communities who do not yet know God, what might their response be ? I think the answer is that they too could take part in the discipline of lent, giving up unnecessary addictions, eating or drinking less perhaps and then spending the time visiting lonely neighbours or doing other good works ? However you prepare for Easter, whether as a Christian or not it can be a good time to slow down and look to others’ needs and I recommend it to you. Every best wish, Peace Steve.

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Round and About Humshaugh Mothers’ Union

Revd. Steve led the annual Corporate Communion on January the 12th in St. Peter’s church. A moving service was followed by tea and those gorgeous scones made by Joyce Burgon. In February we will meet on the first at 1.30 at the home of Margret Jacot, who will give an illustrated talk “Treasures of Persia” after her visit to Iran last year. Many “hospital bags” were given by the members, which will be taken to the Hexham Deanery meeting this month.

HAP

After having enjoyed the film “Room”, the February film will be “Play it again Sam” – Woody Allen. A PG rating comedy romance, which will be shown on Friday, February the 9th at 7 for 7.30, starting with a short talk about the film. There will be fabulous American puds in the interval at £2 and refreshments by donation. Tickets: £5 for adults and £3 for under 18’s.

Pub Quiz

The November Quiz (seems ages ago now!) was won by “Mad Panic” and raised £120 for the Alzheimer Society. The February one will be on Tuesday the 20th at 8pm and will be in aid of St Peter’s church.

Humshaugh First School What a fantastic Christmas Production “Lights- Camel- Action!” was!! Everybody so enjoyed seeing each child playing his or her part in such a wonderful way. Well done

Messy Church started again on January 23rd and is running every Tuesday after school club from 3.05 to 4.15. Liesbeth Langford

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WARK PARISH NEWS

A little late but I wish you all a Happy New Year. I am back with you this month after Keith very kindly handled the previous issue of THE BROADSHEET during my absence. Christmas does seem long behind us however I think it is reasonable to say things went off well in the parish. A sincere thank you to all who contributed attended and assisted at the numerous events. Much appreciated by all.

From St. Michael’s registers we wish to express our sympathies to Les Charlton and the family on the sad death of Sylvia towards the end of November. A Wark girl known and loved by many in this parish. In January we welcomed two into the church during their baptism, Harry and Alfie. Both were very happy occasions and we look forward to seeing you again.

We are now into 2018 and here at St. Michael’s we have a VERY BIG BIRTHDAY to celebrate! The church, as we know it now, has stood here for 200 years so plans are afoot for a celebratory service on Sunday 12th August. It is early days with the plans so I will keep you informed as they progress however it does seem as if the tent will go up again with the customary Wark style food following the service. As they say watch this space and mark the date in your diary.

Other known dates and events at the time of writing include the Deanery Evensong on Thursday 21st June 2018, 7.30pm at Holy Trinity, Horsley. Where you may ask? However, should you not have been to this church it is well worth a visit. Scottish side of Otterburn, 4miles north. I recall the first time I photographed a wedding from there and did wonder was I in the right place.

I also have news of a trip, by charabanc, is being arranged for 27th April 2018 to the Spring Flower Show in Harrogate. The cost being £31.00, including entrance to the show, to book please contact Paddy on 230894. Harrogate is well worth a visit even if just to have coffee, lunch and tea at Bettys Tea Rooms! Don’t worry about taking the waters!!!

Working my way through the diary I come with a PCC meeting on Tuesday 27th February within the Community Room at Westacres. Hot after that are the Annual Meetings of St. Michael’s in church on Tuesday 13th March at 7.30pm. Notice of these will be displayed during February. Just when we thought things were going a bit quieter I need to say Wark Guild will be holding their annual Bingo in The Town Hall on Tuesday 6th March at 7.30pm. Prizes, offers of help to Ann or Anne please. Their planning meeting for this is on Monday 5th February at 7.00pm with Ann Bell hosting. Note also the World Day of Prayer is on Friday 2nd March here in St. Michael’s, 7.30pm. I have missed off `Women's’ from that title as I am told it is open for all to attend.

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Bookings for Gunnerton Church may be made by contacting Susan Reay on 01434 681852

I am certain to have missed something off this list so apologies in advance. I will conclude with a reminder the Garden Fete is on Saturday 7th July, sorry to spoil your reading of these notes! So all hands on deck and we have a Wedding that lunchtime in St. Michael’s so help please wherever you can. I have scoured the newspapers these last couple of months looking for gossip/news to share with you without success so all is quiet on the C of E front. Long may it last for us. So until we chat again I will say thanks for all your help and should you have anything to go in these notes just let me know by 14th of the month.

Love to all John

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Chollerton WI Unfortunately, Joanna O’Neill was unable to attend our December meeting, however she will be with us to talk about ‘Felt Underneath’ The magic of stitching on soft, hand-made felt, at 7.30p.m. on Wednesday, 7th February. Our Annual Meeting and Social Evening will be on 7th March and on Wednesday, 4th April, Maureen Barlow will be giving a talk on Galapagos. We meet in Barrasford Village Hall.

Visitors are always welcome.

GUNNERTON CHURCH LUNCHEON CLUB

LUNCHES are held on the last Wednesday of the month PLEASE COME ALONG and join us on

WEDNESDAYs 28th FEBRUARY 28th MARCH and 25th APRIL

at 12 NOON SOUP, SWEET, coffee or tea : £3.00

All welcome

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CHOLLERTON WI PRIZE BINGO NIGHT

Eyes Down 7.30p.m.

TUESDAY, 13TH FEBRUARY BARRASFORD VILLAGE HALL

CHOLLERTON FIRST SCHOOL PTFA

‘BARRASFORD ARMS DINNER’ Tuesday 20th February 2018, 7.30pm

£25.00 per person, 3 course meal

Join us to help RAISE MONEY for your local school with friends and family.

The Barrasford Arms are kindly supporting the School.

Tickets and menu available from the School Office, 681572

This year's Lent groups in the benefices of Humshaugh, Chollerton and the Parish of St Oswald in Lee will follow the York Course ' On the Third day'.

This is an ecumenical course which looks at how we can recapture the power of the Resurrection . All are welcome to attend any group. There are 5 sessions. 1. Have I got News for you? 2. So what? The implication of the Resurrection 3. Let him Easter in us 4. .Celebrating and Praying Easter 5. A Risen Church The Lent group meetings in the Parish of St Oswald in Lee will be held on Tuesday evenings at 7.30. Any queries please contact Christine Bull 672303 20th Feb at Eastside Lodge, Bingfield. 27th Feb at the Old Barn, Hallington. 6th March Eastside Lodge, Bingfield. 13th March TBA. 20th March Fellfoot Cottage ,Wall. The Lent group meetings in the Parish of St Peter in Humshaugh will be held on Monday mornings at 10.30am. Any queries please contact Steve Wilkinson on 681304.

19th February at The Vicarage, Humshaugh.

26th February at The Vicarage, Humshaugh.

5th March - venue to be arranged

12th March - venue to be arranged

19th March at The Vicarage, Humshaugh.

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World Day of Prayer

Friday 2nd March 7.30 pm

St Michael’s Church, Wark

This year the service has been prepared by the women of

Surinameon

The theme

“All God’s Creation is Very Good”

Everyone is very welcome

there will be light refreshments after the service.

Simonburn Notes

Happy New Year! Have you noticed how much lighter it is in the evenings? Even the snowdrops are making an appearance, perfect timing as the snow has arrived this week. We wish Peter Rowcroft our Best Wishes, as he retires as Farm Manager after over 21 years at Nunwick ( still keeping his hand in, working part time) and as he, Janice and Robert settle into their new home at Slaterfield Villa. Welcome to the new Farm Manager Davy Thirlwell, Laura, Bethany, Charlotte and Anya. We hope both families will be happy in their new homes. Our thanks go to all that helped decorate the church ready for Christmas. The Carol Service was well attended and everyone enjoyed John Roper and Antiphon, the carols and mulled wine afterwards! Christmas Eve, on the village green was enjoyed by lots of adults and children alike ,as we waited eagerly for Santa. Thanks to Dave, Soraya, family, Santa and his helpers. Sadly, on 17th December Helen White passed away. Helen had formerly farmed at Uppertown Farm and lived in the village before moving to Newbrough. Our thoughts go to all her family. We wish May Robson a speedy recovery, following surgery and also Ady Langford as he also recovers after having an operation to remove his appendix. Get well soon. We have a Vacancy on the Brass cleaning rota, if you would like to volunteer for the month of August, it would be much appreciated. All we ask is that the brasses be cleaned for the beginning of the Month . Please contact me on 681077.

Best Wishes

Sharon

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SERVICES FOR FEBRUARY 2018

Benefice of Chollerton Benefice of Humshaugh

Sunday 4th

February

St Christopher Gunnerton 9am HC St Giles Birtley 10.30 HC

9.30am Humshaugh HC 11.00am Simonburn HC 6.00pm Wark EP

Readings: Proverbs 8.1,22-31, Colossians 1.15-20, John 1.1-14

Sunday 11th

February

St Aidans Thockrington 9am HC St Giles Chollerton 10.30 HC

9.30am Humshaugh MP 11.00am Simonburn MP 6.00pm Wark HC

Readings: 2 Kings 2.1-12, 2 Corinthians 4.3-6, Mark 9.2-9

Wednesday 14th

February – Ash Wednesday

St Giles Birtley 7.00pm 7.00pm Simonburn HC

Readings: Isaiah 58.1-12, 2 Corinthians 5.20 - 6.10, John 8.1-11

Sunday 18th

February

St Christopher Gunnerton 9am HC St Giles Birtley 10.30 HC

9.30am Humshaugh HC 11.00am Simonburn HC 4.00pm Wark Tea Time Church 6.00pm Wark EP

Readings: Genesis 9.8-17, 1 Peter 3.18-22, Mark 1.9-15

Sunday 25th

February

St Aidans Thockrington 9am BCP HC St Giles Chollerton 10.30am HC

9.30am Wark HC 11.00am Simonburn HC 6.30pm Humshaugh EP

Readings: Genesis 17.1-7,15,16, Romans 4.13-25, Mark 8.31-38

Sunday 4th

March

St Christopher Gunnerton 9am HC St Giles Birtley 10.30 HC

9.30am Humshaugh HC 11.00am Simonburn HC 6.00pm Wark EP

Readings: Exodus 20.1-17, 1 Corinthians 1.18-25, John 2.13-22

HC - Holy Communion. MP – Morning Prayer. EP – Evening Prayer.